[Impaired executive functions in obsessive compulsive (OCD). Review].
The neurocognitive deficits that underlie major symptoms in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are not yet completely clarified. Hereby we present a review of the most important recent results in the field and also provide an overview of the main open questions and challenges. The primary cognitive deficit which contributes to the neuropsychology profile of the OCD is the dysfunction of the executive system. In our theoretical thinking and analysis we applied the psychometric model of the executive system proposed by Miyake et al (2000). According to this concept there are three main executive components: shifting-monitoring, updating and inhibition. Shifting is the ability of the individual to shift from the irrelevant set to the relevant one according to the task, updating refers to the dynamic manipulation and updating of contents of working memory, while inhibition consists in output monitoring and inhibition of the dominant, prepotent responses. In our research we grouped together neuropsychological tests according to the above components in order to find a coherent interpretation frame. OCD patients show higher latency scores, commit more perseverative errors and have difficulties in feed-back use in executive tasks. We propose that defining different patterns of executive functions may represent a fundamental step in the process to properly characterize the endophenotype of OCD, which may contribute to the development of a goal directed and more efficient rehabilitation therapy program.
Demeter
Gyula
G
BME, Kognitív Tudományi Tanszék, Budapest. demetergy@hotmail.com
Csigó
Katalin
K
Harsányi
András
A
Németh
Attila
A
Racsmány
Mihály
M
D003071:Cognition; D003657:Decision Making; D006613:Higher Nervous Activity; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008568:Memory; D008606:Mental Processes; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012718:Set, Psychology